FEUZ vs VXUS
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEUZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $134M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.46% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.14% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.99% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.32% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FEUZ vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FEUZ returned +20.14% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FEUZ is up 12.46% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FEUZ compounded at +23.99% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.32% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FEUZ has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -50.1% for FEUZ and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEUZ charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEUZ currently yields 2.65% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FEUZ and VXUS share 81 holdings out of 7938 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEUZ or VXUS?
FEUZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEUZ or VXUS?
Over the past year FEUZ returned +20.14% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FEUZ annualized +8.46% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEUZ or VXUS?
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FEUZ -50.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FEUZ and VXUS?
FEUZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FEUZ and VXUS?
FEUZ and VXUS share 81 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEUZ or VXUS?
FEUZ yields 2.65% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FEUZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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